(Laconia, N.H.) Dr. James Adams, Chief Forensic Psychiatric Examiner for the State of New Hampshire, died suddenly on July 7th while vacationing in North Carolina. Dr. Adams had recently resigned from his position to pursue other professional endeavors. He had been associated with the NHDOC since 1986 and in addition to his responsibilities as a forensic examiner, served as chief of psychiatry from 1986 to 2001. As the State’s Chief Forensic Examiner, he was responsible for evaluating a person’s competency to stand trial.

Dr. Adams completed his residency program at the University of California and was certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Upon receiving the news of Dr. Adams’ death, Commissioner William Wrenn said: “On behalf of his friends and colleagues it is a significant loss for the Department, the State of New Hampshire and the criminal justice system. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.”

As this time, details related to funeral or memorial service arrangements have not been finalized.